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litniinisatttts 0f Crn|. 



Iltminisccntcs flfCrfln; 



ITS SETTLEMENT IN 1790, TO 1807, 



REMARKS ON ITS COMMERCE, ENTERPRISE, IMPROVEMENTS, 
STATE OF POLITICAL PARTIES, 



Slidths jof 3ui)ibil)ual Chatnttcr. 



WRITTEN AT THE REQUEST OP SEVERAL GENTLEMEN OF TROY, 



HON. JOHN WOODWORTH, 

OF ALBANY. 






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ALBANY: 

JOEL MUNSELL 58 STATE STREET 

1853. 






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IIEMINISCENCES OE TROY. 



To THE Hon. Judge McConihe : 

Dear Sir — Shortly after the close of the Revo- 
lutionary War, in 1784, when quite a lad, under 
the instruction of the late Hon. John Lovett, of 
facetious memory, then principal of an academy in 
Albany, one bright morning in April, on his invita- 
tion, I embarked with him in a canoe to make a 
voyage to Half-Moon Point, now the village of 
Waterford. Mr. Lovett's servant man was of the 
party. We tugged at the oar against a strong 
current, making slow progress, continually ad- 
monished, if 

" We slack our hands, or cease to strive. 
Then down the flood with headlong haste we drive." 

About sun-set we arrived at the south part of the 
village of Lansingburgh, where dwelt, on the bank 
of the river, one Baily Austin. The young lad 
was landed for the night; Mr. Lovett continued 
the voyage; the parting was rather unpleasant, 
though not comparing with the case of Calypso, 
who remained disconsolate after the departure of 
Ulysses. 

The next morning, Mr. Lovett returned. We 
wended our way back to Albany. In gliding down 



the beautiful Hudson, on the gentle current, I well 
remember the ground on which the City of Troy 
is now located. Then all was quiet ; no bustle of 
commerce at that time. There stood at some dis- 
tance from each other, three ancient brick dwell- 
ings, probably erected in the preceding century; 
the most northern occupied by Jacob I. Vander- 
heyden, familiarly known as Big Jacob ; next 
came Jacob D. Vanderheyden, owner of the greater 
part of the ground on which the City is built, and 
under whom or his descendants, the inhabitants 
hold title ; the last was the dwelling of Mat. Van- 
derheyden, which I observed a few days since was 
standing, a relic of former times. There was a 
stillness, and I may say solitude, about these 
dwellings, as profound as the quiet that surrounded 
Rip van Winkle in Sleepy Hollow. Ah, who at 
that day could look forward through the dark vista 
of time, and conjecture the future destiny of this 
queen of cities! 

About this time, and for several years after, 
might be seen a solitary scow, occasionally crossing 
the river, under the direction of that old experi- 
enced ferryman, 'yclept Mat. Caldwell. He had 
become a fixture in his vocation. Who that has 
seen sixty winters, does not remember the well 
knoAvn voice of Mat., crying, " Over ! Over !" 
summoning his passengers with a shrillness only 
equalled by the huntsman's horn. Alas, with all 
his care and skill, in an evil hour he took on board 
an overload of cattle, driven from Vermont to the 



Albany market; they becoiiiing restive precipitated 
into the river, and caused the death of an interest- 
ing young man, returning from his residence in 
Manchester, to visit the late James Caldwell and 
other friends in Albany. His name was McMath. 
His death was much lamented. He was a speci- 
men of the warm-hearted friendship and manly 
' virtues freqnently met with among the gifted sons 
of the Emerald Isle. 

Within the last two years you requested me to 
write reminiscences of the first settlement of Troy, 
its inhabitants, and progress for several of the next 
succeeding years ; supposing that from my early 
residence, commencing in its infancy, I might be 
able to communicate information interesting to the 
present generation, which could not be derived 
from any other source. I declined the invitation, 
under an impression, that a mere narrative of facts 
within my knowledge woidd not be sufficiently 
interesting to become the subject of publication. 
So far as my partialities were concerned, there Avas 
no lack of kind feeling ; even in its infancy, when 
I commenced my happy sojourn among its inhabit- 
ants, it might well compare with 

" Auburn, loveliest village of the plain," 

now a city, enriched by intelligence, commercial 
enterprise, wealth acquired by untiring industry, 
and among the foremost in extending the influ- 
ence of moral and religious principles through our 
widely extended domain. 



Within a few days past, the subject of your re- 
quest was revived. It appeared to me that some- 
thing might be written of the olden time, calcu- 
lated, if not to instruct, perhaps to amuse, by 
indulging a little in thoughts suggested, while 
writing on the principal subject, so as to render 
my desultory remarks more acceptable to the 
reader. 

But whence did Troy derive its name ? As to 
ancient Troy, it had long since been said, " Illium 
fuit ;" the remembrance was not forgotten, nor 
could the recorded incidents in its history pass into 
oblivion, so long as Homer fills his readers with 
sublime ideas ; and Virgil has drawn together in 
the yEneiad all the pleasing scenes his subject is 
capable of admitting. Every school boy advanced 
in his studies, knows the cause of the Trojan war ; 
fair Helen, wife of Menelaus, seduced by Paris, 
who had obtained admittance to the hospitable 
mansion of the husband, abducted the prize, not 
unlike occurrences in modern times, when mar- 
riage vows are violated and forgotten. 

Whose bosom is not warmed at the hint of cer- 
tain passages in the Illiad ? Who can read, Avith- 
out emotion, the death and funeral rites of Patro- 
clus ? the solemnities attending the death and 
funeral honors of Hector? the aged Priam begging 
of stern Achilles the body of his son, and the 
lamentations of Andromache, Hecuba and Helen? 

" Such honors Illium to her hero paid, 
And peaceful slept the mighty Hector's shade." 



More deeply interesting than all the preceding, has 
ever appeared to me the interview between Hector 
and Andromache, his darling wife. I have never 
met with any thing, in ancient and modern story, 
more exquisitely tender, or more calculated to 
awaken the best feelings of our nature. To those 
whose bosoms are not moved by this description, 
I would say, 

" Some rugged rock's hard entrails gave the form, 
And raging seas produced thei^ein a storm." 

I will now speak of things comparatively recent. 
As early as 1788 the favorable location of Troy did 
not escape the keen discernment of Yankee enter- 
prise. About this time, or shortly after, something 
like a scattered settlement commenced, but in- 
considerable for several years thereafter. Accord- 
ing to my recollection, in 1790, a vote of the in- 
habitants, assembled in a regular meeting, was 
taken ; they resolved that thereafter the place be 
known by the name of Troy ; it was so known, 
when immediately after my admission to the bar 
of the Supreme Court in 1791, I commenced my 
residence in the village. In that year the County 
of Rensselaer was taken from the County of Al- 
bany and erected into a new county. The judges 
of the Court of Common Pleas appointed were, 
Anthony Ten Eyck first Judge, Robert Woodworth, 
Israel Thompson, Jonathan Brown and Jonathan 
Rouse, Judges ; Nicholas Schuyler, Clerk ; Albert 
Pawling, Sheriff, and Moss Kent, father of the late 



distinguished Chancellor Kent, Surrogate. The 
courts were by law directed to be held alternately 
at the inn of Ananias Piatt, in the village of Lan- 
singburgh, and the inn of Stephen Ashley in the 
village of Troy, and so continued until the erection 
of a court house in 1794. 

In 1791 there was not much difference in the 
number of inhabitants each village contained ; 
Lansingburgh was the oldest settlement, and put 
in strong claims for the court house ; Troy was 
equally zealous, contending it was more central ; 
an animated spirit of rivalry commenced, its in- 
fluence was felt in the state election of 1792 ; the 
Trojans nominated Robert Wood worth for senator, 
and an assembly ticket of five members, com- 
posed of the following names : Christopher Hutton, 
Josiah Masters, Nicholas Staats, Jonathan Niles 
and Jonas Odel. 

It was a mixed ticket, composed in part of fed- 
eralists ; but all in favor of Troy on the court 
house question. Mr. Hutton was a federalist, he 
resided in the upper part of the village ; he had 
been an officer in the army of the revolution, and 
although not of high grade, it was well understood 
by persons familiar with the war of independence, 
that he was highly esteemed, and considered an 
officer of great merit by Washington. There was 
much of dignity in his personal appearance, ac- 
companied by a suavity of manner that made a 
favorable impression ; he was remarkable for calm- 
ness, when others were excited ; his conversation 



9 

was always marked by good sense ; in sliort Teon- 
siderd him one of nature's noblemen. His brotlier 
and partner, Timotliy Ilutton, was an estimable 
man; without mueh training in schools, he was a 
gentleman of polished manners, of strict integity, 
and always to be relied on as a valued friend; he 
Avas the father of the Rev. Doctor Ilutton, an es- 
teemed minister in the Reformed Dutch Church 
in the city of New York. My association with the 
brothers was constant and familiar. At that time 
Burns was our delight ; how could it be otherwise? 
after reading Tarn O' Shunter, and that almost un- 
equalled production, The Cotter^s Saturday Night. 
Such was the kindred feeling between us, although 
connected with opposite political parties, when 
we met, after a considerable absence, it was like 
the meeting of Horace with his friends, Virgil, 
Varius and Plotius, in his journey from Rome to 
Brundusium: more excellent men the earth never 
produced, nor any to whom I was more sincerely 
attached. 

The Troy ticket succeeded, their member of the 
senate and members of the assembly were elected. 
At the ensuing session of the legislature, in ihe 
city of New York, in January, 179.3, the court 
house was established in Troy. 

The enthusiasm that prevailed in favor of Troy 
which produced a political triumph, soon subsided; 
the court house was built ; the republican party 
remained in a minority for the next ten years. 

In the spring of 1793, the old party lines between 
2 



10 

the federalists and their opponents being esta- 
blished, the former were through the state tri- 
umphant, and so continued in the county of 
Rensselaer until the election of 1S02, when John 
Woodworth, of Troy, John Ryan, of Hoosic, Jona- 
than Rouse, of Pitstown, and Samuel Vary, of 
Stephentown, were for the first time elected mem- 
bers of the assembly ; Nicholas Staats, tlie other 
candidate, having an equal number of votes with ' 
his opponent, was defeated. 

After the termination of the contest for a court 
house, there was, for a number of years, a severe 
struggle in the county for political supremacy. I 
will now advert to occurrences more immediately 
relating to the village of Troy. 

In the first place, the favorable location of Troy 
attracted the attention of our neighbors in Lansing- 
burgh, not slow to discern the signs of the times. 
Although much attached to their early homes, they 
saw that this was an inviting place for removal. 
They perceived in perspective, the rise of a great 
city, and the certain acquisition of wealth, to be 
derived from extended commerce, and the fruits of 
industry, proceeding from that source. They de- 
termined to emigrate to a neighborhood of friends, 
ready to receive them, without making inquiry, — 
'* Quis novus hie hospes sedibus nostis ?" 

An emigration soon commenced on a common 
sense calculation of improving their affairs in the 
various departments of industry and enterprise; not 
like recent adventurers in their thirst for gold 



I J 

in Californiti; nor impelled by wild, visionary 
dreams, like Jason, who departed from Thessaly 
to Colchos, in his Argonautic expedition, to seize 
and carry away the fabled golden fleece, guard- 
ed, it was said to be, by serpents and wild bulls, 
vomiting fire : vain would have been his efforts, 
without the assistance of Medea, the king's daugh- 
ter; she falling in love with Jason, and skilled in 
the knowledge of poisons and specific charms, 
furnished him with all necessary appliances, to 
disperse the serpents, tame the bulls, and make 
them submit to the yoke, and thus enabled him to 
carry away the prize ; the achievement was accom- 
plished by the power of woman's love. 

While I am digressing, I will adduce another 
instance, demonstrating the power of female at- 
tachment. I refer to the queen of Carthage, her- 
self driven as an exile from Tyre, founded an 
empire so powerful, as in process of time, to 
awaken Roman jealousy, and gave rise to the sen- 
timent, " Delenda est Carthago," Cartilage must 
be destroyed. 

^neas, also an exile from the ruins of ancient 
Troy, driven by fierce winds, "pervarios casus, 
per tot discrlmina rerum," landed on this hospita- 
ble coast, well skilled, he appears to have been, in 
a knowledge of the avenues to the female heart. 
At this time the morbid state of the queen's mind 
was such that her aftections, long buried in the 
grave of Sicheus, her husband, had banished all 
thought of a second ; such insanity had this state 



12 

of mind produced, so firm had been her resolve, 

that she called down imprecations on herself if 

ever she violated the plighted faith that once she 

gave : 

" He who had my vows shall ever have, 

For whom I loved on earth, I worship in the grave." 

Such a state of mind is to be pitied, not cen- 
sured ; extremes often beget extremes ; so it was 
here ; the subsequent parts of this drama exhibit 
a knowledge of character, which is delineated by a 
master hand. The queen in the language of the 
poet, " Paulatim aholere Sichevm incipit,^^ began by 
little and little to remove Sicheus. It is difficult 
in a translation of these words to do justice to the 
original, which is so descriptive of that slow and 
gentle transition, in a morbid state of mind, from 
the dead to the living, and places before us the 
delicate feelings of the fair one, who experienced 
this operation. The queen notwithstanding her 
vows yielded : 

" The dead was to the living love resigned, 
And all iEneas enters in her mind," 

The tale of woe related by command, soon 
achieved a conquest in the pliant bosom of the 
queen ; it was calculated to interest every hearer : 

"Who could such woes relate without a tear? 
As stern Ulysses must have wept to hear." 

The power of female love at once became ap- 
parent ; the exchange of vows with the exile, was 



IS 

followed by the caresses of the love-sick queen, 
and the annunciation of a liberal national senti- 
ment : 

" Trojans and Tyrians differ but in name, 
They to my favor have an equal claim." 

We in the United States, on a more extended 
scale, are now carrying out the same sentiment, 
affording an asylum to the oppressed of all nations, 
permitting them to participate, in common with 
ourselves, the blessings of rational liberty. The 
perfidious lover left her to experience " the pangs 
of despised love," operating on her proud spirit, 
and terminating in death. 

A retribution awaited the seducer ; in his descent 
to the fabled regions below, passing through the 
Elysian fields, he espied the sullen shade of the 
queen : " fresh from her wound, her bosom bathed 
in blood." Then for the first time, "fierce repent- 
ance reared her crest ;" prayers and tears availed 
not ; they were met by a look of disdain, an indig- 
nant frown, and a countenance averted, to shun 
his hateful sight, followed by her immediate dis- 
appearance in the shades of night : "The ruling 
passion strong in death ;" resentment in the sensi- 
tive bosom of a woman scorned. Remorse doubt- 
less performed its office on the seducer. 

After this digression I resume the narrative. 
There was a healthful accession of numbers from 
Lansingburgh ; there came the firm of George and 
Benjamin Tibbits, men of wealth and integrity, 



14 

well qualified to conduct commercial operations 
on an extended scale. Next came the firm of 
Aaron and Dirck Lane ; the latter had served with 
reputation in the army of the revolution, and after 
the lapse of forty years, had the happiness of re- 
ceiving, at the river bank, on a visit from Albany 
to Troy, in 1826, Marquis Lafayette, his old com- 
panion in arms, and by his side conducting him to 
the house of reception. Not long after, emigrated 
the firm of Redfield and Bradly, who by honorable 
industry had acquired considerable wealth ; also 
the Hon. John D. Dickenson, for a long time Presi- 
dent of the Farmers' Bank, a lawyer of learning 
of sound judgment, extensive practice ; his house 
was the seat of hospitality, graced by an accom- 
plished wife, who made every visitor feel himself 
at home, in their splendid mansion. 

The times now under consideration, say from 
1792 to 1802, were memorable for the asperity and 
violence of political parties; perhaps no county in 
the state, could in this respect, claim precedence 
over the county of Rensselaer ; it was strikingly 
apparent at every election ; not satisfied with dis- 
cussing the principles, which divided the federal 
and republican parties, and the merits of the re- 
spective candidates, low personal abuse, and libel- 
lous writings were employed to vilify individuals, 
who advocated candidates put in nomination by 
the latter party. Let it, however, be understood, 
that in these remarks, I have no reference to the 
respectable gentlemen before named, who emi- 



15 

grated from Lansini»biiroli to Troy ; all of whom 
were federalists ; nor to other honorable men of 
the same party who were among the original iii- 
habitiints of the village of Troy ; nor do Ihey apply 
to })rominent men of the repnblican party, residing 
in the village, who always disconntenanced sueh 
proeecdings. At this time a spirit ol' intolerance 
existed, beyond the control of sober men, of either 
party ; there were more than ordinary causes for 
this ; the influence of the French rcn'olution upon 
the people of this country was great ; the annun- 
ciation of liberty restored in France, after a dark 
night of centuries, gave an impulse, that caused a 
delirium in the public mind, especially among the 
masses. It was enough that the chain was broken, 
and the Bastile destroyed ; the Marsellois Hymn 
and Ci ira, were chaunted in our streets ; scarce a 
thought occurred, whether here were materials to 
lay the foundation of rational liberty ; whether the 
French character, at all times easily excited, light, 
frivolous and changeable, ignorant of the first prin- 
ciples of free government, did not require a long 
training, to prevent its termination in anarchy, 
or a despotism more oppressive, than that from 
which they had escaped : many in the ardor of 
their feelings, were ready to suspect some of the 
best friends of liberty, if they expressed fears of 
the final result. An individual who was not pre- 
pared to hurra for the French, would have but 
little influence at elections with a portion of the 
republican party; on the other hand, the prevail- 



16 

ing temper of the federal party was, to stigmatize 
their opponents, as French Jacobins, ready to ap- 
prove the atrocities of the French revolution, then 
apparent : in this state of things, truth requires the 
admission, that the republican party was more in- 
fected with the mania of wild French democracy, 
than their opponents. 

The federalists having the power of the state in 
their hands, were rather intolerant in the exercise 
of that power ; this at times produced much irrita- 
tion ; instances might be given, but let them now 
be forgotten. To the preceding may be added, 
that the federal party, having been in favor of the 
adoption of the constitution of the United States, 
and the republican party generally opposed to its 
adoption without certain amendments, and in 
consequence called anti-federalists ; there were 
feelings of alienation on that ground, and preju- 
dices which had not been removed. There were 
also minor causes mingling with political hostility. 
The inhabitants of Lansingburgh were chiefly 
federalists ; the loss of the Court House by a re- 
publican legislature elected in 1792, was a source 
of wounded pride ; there was also much personal 
hostility between individuals, arising from real or 
imaginary ^vrongs. These gave keenness to the 
edge of political warfare. Much of this may be 
ascribed to the temperament of two or three indi- 
viduals, and a few congenial spirits under their 
control, having some pretension to talent, who lent 
their aid in the work of written slander. 



17 

Members of the republican party were not to 
my knowledge or belief aggressors in libellous 
publications, but acted on the defensive. It may 
seem passing strange that such a state of things 
existed ; it is neverthe'ess true. I might give you 
specimens of the publications referred to, outraging 
all decency ; but let tliern be forever buried in ob- 
livion. They are only mentioned for the purpose 
of adverting to the salutary change that has taken 
place. Parties can now differ, and agree to differ, 
without personal rancor or abuse. The asperity 
of party is greatly diminished ; men of opposite 
sentiments on political subjects can mingle to- 
gether in all the relations of life, and generally 
with cordiality and good will. To any one who 
denies this change, I reply in the words of Solomon, 
" say not thou, what is the cause that the former 
days were better than these ? for thou dost not 
inquire wisely concerning this." 

The preceding political remarks will be consi- 
dered as applying to the state of things from 1791 
to 1806, when I removed from Troy to Albany. 

A few words more immediately relating to the 
village of Troy. There was from its commence- 
ment, a spirit of enterprise and industry apparent ; 
its location at the head of sloop navigation, in- 
spired confidence in the belief of advancing pros- 
perity ; there was no despondency ; no one seemed 
to entertain doubts respecting the future. Early 
attention was called to improve the navigation 
between Troy and Albany ; full employment was 
3 



18 

given to a number of vessels navigating between 
Troy and New York. The carrying trade was lu- 
crative. Troy Avas a great market in the winter 
season for the purchase of wheat and other grain, 
coming from the west, the north, and the state 
of Vermont ; the hum of business Avas every 
where visible ; mechanics had full employment ; 
buildings were rapidly on the increase ; large 
stores were erected ; and extensive commerce 
carried on in various parts of the state. There 
was at that early day, and what has distinguished 
Troy in all its progress, and so conducive to its 
prosperity, a concert of action ; a concentration of 
sentiment, and united efforts on all questions, re- 
lating to the interest of the village. To all these, 
political questions held a secondary place ; there 
was also a large proportion of practical business 
men of good sense, and industrious habits, well 
fitted for the position in which they were placed.; 
capital in a short time became abundant, although 
but little at the commencement ; the rapid acqui- 
sition of wealth by regular business, soon furnished 
an ample supply. Of the original inhabitants, 
and those who came shortly after them, a number 
are within my recollection. 

Doctor Samuel Gale came to Troy about 1789, 
from Killingworth, in Connecticut; his family 
consisted of a wife, daughter and four sons, Ben- 
jamin, John, Samuel and William ; he erected a 
dwelling house and store adjoining the upper ferry. 
The doctor practiced medicine a number of years. 



10 

and died in 1797. He was much respected as a 
man, and physician. His son tSamnei was also 
bred a physician, bat generally employed as a 
druggist ; he built a store house on the west side 
of River street, in which he carried on success- 
ful business a number of years ; he was appointed 
post master during Mr. Madison's administration, 
about 1812 ; if 1 mistake not, he was the successor 
of lluggles Hubbard. 

The Post Office was first established in 1793 or 
1794 ; I speak from memory, and think J am not 
mistaken. John Wood worth was the first post 
master; he held the office until 1798 or 1799. His 
successor was Mr. Buel, a gentleman of respecta- 
ble character, father of the Hon. Judge Buel, of 
Troy, a distinguished counsellor at law in the su- 
preme court of this state. After the accession of 
Mr. Jefterson as President, my impression is that 
Ruggles Hubbard was appointed the successor of 
Mr. Buel, and so continued until the appointment 
of Doctor Gale. 

The firm composed of Abraham Ten Eyck, Al- 
bert Pawling and Conrad J. Elmendorf built and 
occupied a store, now standing on the west side of 
River street. They were regular merchants, of 
strict integrity, doing a respectable share of busi- 
ness. 

Paniel and Isaac Merrit occupied a store on the 
west side of River street, near the location of the 
present Troy House. They were men of great in- 
dustry, and upright in all their dealings. I was 



20 

intimately acquainted with Daniel ; in his manners 
kind and gentle ; he was a member of the society 
of Friends, and a fair representative of that highly 
respectable religions sect ; always ready to ad- 
vance the cause of benevolence. Among the 
distinguished members of that society in England, 
who can forget the name of that incomparable 
woman, Elizabeth Fry, who by her labors in the 
cause of reform, in cases almost hopeless, shed a 
lustre and fragrance on female character ; her 
name is "as ointment poured forth ;" not unlike 
that shed on the other sex, by the benevolent 
Howard, who travelled far and wide, seeking the 
haunts of those who " pine in want and dungeon 
glooms, shut out from the common use of air, and 
common use of their own limbs," taking the 
dimensions of human suffering in prisons and 
hospitals, amidst infection, pestilence and death. 
Col. Albert Pawling, already mentioned, claims 
particular notice. He was one of the earliest 
inhabitants ; he had been well educated at an 
academy in Kingston ; when quite a young man, 
he joined as an officer, the army under General 
Montgomery, was engaged in the disastrous battle 
before Quebec's beleaguered walls, on the memor- 
able night of December 31, 1775. He possessed 
all the elements to become a fearless soldier; " in 
battle courageous, the heart of a Lyon ;" " mild 
with the mild, but with the froward he was fierce 
as fire." I never knew a man having higher 
notions of honor and integrity. He has often re- 



21 

latcd to mc the stirrin<^ scenes precedinj^ and at- 
tending the battle, and the subsequent gloom and 
foreboding that pervaded the country. In recur- 
ring to these events, '*he would shake his years 
away, and all the live-long day discourse of 
war." He was always a firm supporter of the 
republican party, but no sUmderer or persecutor of 
those who dilfered Irom him on political questions; 
always a pleasant companion, and sincere in his 
professions of friendship. 

It so happened that in September, 1792, shortly 
sfter my admission to the bar, I came to Albany, 
and dined at the excellent tavern kept by Robert 
Lewis, who among inn keepers was considered 
*' princeps inter pares.'' Col. Donald Campbell, long 
since deceased, lodged at this house. I met him 
at dinner ; he had been an officer in the army of 
the revolution, and engaged in the storming of 
Quebec ; was by the side of Montgomery when he 
fell. Col. Campbell had also been an officer in the 
British army before our revolution. In the course 
of conversation he stated the following facts, which 
I presume will not be considered out of place in 
this communication. He was in the battle with 
the French, on the Plains of Abraham, before Que- 
bec, Avhen Gen. Wolfe the commander fell. It 
was on that day, just 33 years since, Wolfe was 
mortally wounded ; he was one of the persons who 
assisted in supporting him on the field of battle ; 
that shortly before he expired rallying himself in- 
quired, " How goes the battle ?" IIi^ was told the 



22 

French were running ; Wolfe then exclaimed, " 1 
die with pleasure." He further observed, that these 
words had been inserted correctly, in various publi- 
cations in England. I find on the authority of his- 
tory that this battle was fought on the 13th of Sep- 
tember, 1759 ; it was just 33 years to September 13, 
1792 ; I know that this conversation took place in 
the month of September of that year; it is probable 
Col. Campbell was correct as to the day. Gen. 
Wolfe, although a young man, had become a great 
favorite in England ; he distinguished himself be- 
fore he was 20, and increased his reputation so 
much at Minden and Louisburgh, that Pitt selected 
him to command the expedition against Quebec. 
He overcame all obstacles, scaled the heights of 
Abraham, and compelled the enemy to risk the 
Province on the issue of a battle, which terminated 
French rule in Canada. 

The preceding information was too interesting 
to be forgotten. In the loss of AVolfe, there ap- 
pears to have been much real grief, arising not 
merely from his splendid talents as a general, but 
combined with sincere affection, entertained for 
his interesting personal qualities. Mrs. Elizabeth 
Montague, an eminent female writer, whose let- 
ters in three volumes, published after her death, 
in one of them to Lord Littleton, dated October 
23, 1759, contains the following : *' The encomi- 
ums on Wolfe run very high ; a great action is 
performed, and envy can endure to give praise to 
a dead man ; there was something very captivat- 



33 

ing in his character; he took the public opinion 
by a coup de main, to which it surrendered more 
willino'ly than to a regular siege: the people had 
not time to be tired of hearing liim called the 
hrave ; he is the subject of all people's praise, and 
I question whether all the Duke of Marlborough's 
conquests gained him greater honor." There were 
several fugitive pieces written on the occasion in 
England, but whether accessible at the present 
time I know not. There is one, however, pre- 
served, written by Thomas Paine ; the following 
are the two first stanzas : 

"In a mouldering cave, where the wretched retreat, 

Britannia sat wasted with care, 
She mourn'd for her Wolfe, then exclaim'd against fate. 

And gave herself up to despair. 

"The walls of her cell she had sculptured around, 

With the feats of her favorite son, 
And even the dust as it lay on the ground, 

Was engraved with some deeds he had done," 

The residue is poetry of a high order; but equal- 
led by the lines written by the Ivev. John Wolfe, 
describing the interment of Sir John Moore, slain 
in a battle with the French at Corimna in Spain. 
The following is the first stanza : 

"Not* a drum was heard, nor a funeral note, 
As his corse to the rampart we hurried, 

No soldier discharged his farewell shot, 
O'er the grave where our hero we buried." 

From my earliest reading, the death of Mont- 



24 

gomery, was in my mind associated with the death 
of Wolfe ; they both fell on the same field, seventeen 
years apart ; the latter at the age S3 years, the 
former 37 ; both having Anglo-Saxon blood in their 
veins, and children of the same parent ; both i,n 
the spirit of chivalry and patriotism, like Leoni- 
das's band, oftering their lives in the service 
of their country. Admiration has always attended 
the mention of their names, and touched the chord 
where affection dwells. 

After this digression, I further state, that Col. 
Pawling was always among the foremost in pro- 
moting the interests of the village; untiring in his 
exertions to procure funds to build the Court 
House ; liberal in contributions to erect the first 
Presbyterian Church, the settlement of a pastor, 
and always the advocate of a high standard of 
morals. 

Not long after the settlement commenced, came 
from Newport, Rhode Island, Mr. Stevenson and 
family, a wife and four children ; all intelligent, 
well educated, and of polished manners ; at all 
times an acquisition, and especially in the infancy 
of a settlement ; the eldest daughter became the 
wife of Hugh Peebles, the highly respected cashier 
of the Farmers' Bank, incorporated in 1800 ; after 
her death Mr. Peebles was married to one of her 
sisters. Mr. Stevenson was a merchant, occupy- 
ing a store on the west side of River street. 

The Warren family came from Connecticut at 
an early day. I recollect three sons, Esaias, Na- 



25 

than and Stephen. They occupied a store adjoin- 
ing the river, on River street, were extensively en- 
gaged in the purchase of produce, and the carrying 
trade to New York. They were men of integrity, 
possessed the confidence of the community, and 
by regular business acquired great wealth. Esaias 
was the first president of Troy Bank ; Stephen was 
subsequently president ; the family have ever been 
considered of great respectability. 

The McCoun family came about 1793 or 1794 ; 
the sons were successful in trade ; their store, ad- 
joining the river, was nearly opposite the present 
Mansion House ; Townsend McCoun, one of the 
sons, was a director of the Farmer's Bank, when 
I resided in Troy ; he built a house on Second 
street, where his family now reside. 

The venerable Philip Heartt was a resident when 
I first came to the village ; he became connected 
in business with Benjamin Smith and Joseph 
Russell ; he was one of the founders and efficient 
officers of the Presbyterian Church, a particular 
friend of the Rev. Doctor Jonas Coe, from whom 
his son, the Hon. Jonas C. Heartt, derives his 
name. 

The firm of Morgan, Boardman & Coit, were 
established as merchants, as early as 1790. Coit 
removed soon after ; Morgan and Boardman were 
respectable men, in business a number of years ; 
Mr. Boardman built the house on the west side of 
Second street, now occupied by his family. 

The first tavern for general accommodation was 
4 



26 

erected by Stephen Ashley, opposite the present 
ferry ; he was a civil, obliging and attentive land- 
lord, and deservedly had great patronage. 

Jeremiah Pierce came in 1793 from Massachu- 
setts, and opened a tavern on River street, near the 
ferry ; it vi^as much resorted to by travellers for 
many years. After his death, his son William 
continued the business, and kept one of the best 
taverns in the country. He was much esteemed, 
represented the county in the assembly, and for 
some time held the office of post master in the 
city. 

Benjamin Smith came to Troy about the com- 
mencement of the settlement ; he was never mar- 
ried. There seems to have been, by general 
consent, perfect reliance on his integrity. His 
manners were simple and unobtrusive ; his means 
were moderate ; always engaged in some useful 
employment ; at one time, as I have already stated, 
connected with Mr. Heartt in mercantile business. 
He was zealously attached to the republican party, 
and gave it efficient aid at elections. He had no 
personal enemies; I never heard any one speak 
disrespectfully or unkindly of Benjamin Smith. 
Although having the entire confidence of his party, 
he was not ambitious for office ; the offices he held 
were not sought for; he was treasurer of the coun- 
ty, a judge of the court, one of the electors of 
president, and clerk of the county, holding the lat- 
ter office until the time of his death. Mr. Smith, 
not like many of the present day abounding in 



wealth, not stinted in the expressions of benevo- 
lent feeling, but limited when called into exercise, 
was ever ready, as far as in his power, to aid the 
unfortunate and distressed. At that time the col- 
lection of debts in Vermont was slow and tedious; 
creditors in New York were desirous of subjecting 
their debtors in Vermont to the more stringent pro- 
cess of collection in this state ; Troy being a loca- 
tion to which there was frequent resort, many an 
unlucky wight, who had crossed the line of sepa- 
ration, and arrested on process issued in this coun- 
ty, would have been compelled to accept a tempo- 
rary residence within the four walls, had not Ben- 
jamin Smith come to the rescue. I recollect a 
remark of the late Hon. Amasa Paine, speaking of 
his friendly acts, observed, '* he was ready to be- 
come bail for all Vermont ;" and yet believed he 
had been so fortunate as to escape with trifling 
loss. In kind actions, he might well compare with 
the "Man of Ross;" and to him he applied the 
lines addressed to Virgil on the death of Quintilius 
Varus ; 

" Such was his worth, our loss is such, 

We can not love too well, or grieve too much." 

Benjamin Gorton was a merchant, who came 
from Hudson ; had been to China, and learned the 
meaning of a few Chinese words ; being an old 
bachelor, he soon married Miss Foster, a handsome 
young woman, and occupied a part of his store on 
River street, converted into a comfortable dwelling 



28 

for himself and his young wife. Gorton was ra- 
ther penurious, his business and profits moderate, 
yet wishing- to entertain a few friends without no- 
toriety, in consequence of his marriage, invited 
some six or eight gentlemen, who were favorites, 
to call on him at his store ; they came in the fore- 
noon; the entertainment was confined to a few 
glasses of wine ; the effect was soon perceptible ; 
soon after, a number of young men, not invited, 
came in and wished to participate in the celebra- 
tion ; a little wine made them boisterous, so that 
some of the wine was unavoidably spilled ; Gor- 
ton, always a strict economist, exclaimed, " Drink, 
gentlemen, drink, but for heaven's sake don't spill ;" 
the scene that followed may be easily imagined ; 
it partook largely of the ridiculous, but must pass 
into oblivion. The late Gen. Peter B. Porter, then 
a student at law in Troy, acted among others a 
conspicuous part. For a long time after, Gorton's 
wedding was the subject of pleasant conversation. 
Abandoning merchandise, he became a fanatic on 
questions of religion, denounced all sects, set up 
for himself, published a book to write down the 
late reverend and learned Doctor Lathrop, of West 
Springfield, by establishing, as he thought, heresy 
in some of the doctor's sermons. Gorton held re- 
ligious meetings at his house on the sabbath, but 
few read the book, or attended his religious servi- 
ces. Notwithstanding these vagaries, Mr. Gorton 
was a man of strict integrity, no one doubting his 
purity of intention; he passed on, more pitied than 
reproached. 



29 

In Troy, as in other places, there was a great 
variety of character ; among the number, the so- 
journer would frequently meet one, who had seen 
nearly ninety years ; a walking spectre, leaning on 
his staff, tall, lean, and tottering with age, his head 
white as the new fallen snow, talkative, and eager 
to detain any one he happened to meet, with stories 
of the olden time, a thousand times before repeat- 
ed; it required some effort of the hearer to escape, 
especially when a little excited, for " he lik'd his 
glass." Such was old Derick Vanderheyden, either 
the father, or grandfather of Mat. Vanderheyden ; 
he was known by every one as old uncle Derick. 

Horace once travelling on the Via sacra was 
met by one of the garrulous idlers, whose name he 
did not know; wishing to get rid of him, tried se- 
veral ways to effect his object, but in vain. The 
intruder saw this, and said, " I perceive for some 
time you wished to get rid of me, but it is labor 
lost ; I have no business on hand, and will follow 
you." It was equally difficult to get rid of uncle 
Derick; the patience of the hearer was soon ex- 
hausted; his only remedy was in flight. 

Major General Wool, was an active and intelli- 
gent young man, occupying a store on River street. 
He early had a passion lor military life, and like 
young Nerval, had heard of battles, and longed to 
follow to the field some warlike chief, " and hea- 
ven soon granted," all that he desired. In the war 
of 1812, he commenced his career, and immediate- 
ly distinguished himself; his military services arc 



30 

recorded in history, and appreciated by a grateful 
country. After the lapse of forty years, loaded 
with honors, he returns to the home of his youth; 
surrounded by all the blessings that make life de- 
sirable. 

I could name a number of individuals, who 
would be an acquisition to any place, such as Eben- 
ezer Jones, and his son-in-law, Captain Skelding, 
residing in the upper part of the village ; Doctor 
John Loudon, Mahlon Taylor, owning the mills on 
Poesten kill, Jonathan and Alsop Hunt, sons of Mr. 
Hunt, of Hunt's Point, a Hurlgate pilot, who built 
a store near the ferry ; Howard Moulton, who erect- 
ed a building and kept a respectable tavern, near 
the court house, on the ground now occupied by 
the justly celebrated Female Seminary of Mrs. 
Willard ; I could mention others, but the designa- 
tion of name alone can not be interesting; suffice 
it to say, the collective population of the place, like 
coming events cast their shadows before ; it was 
no extravagant conjecture, that with such materi- 
als, a rich and populous city would arise. 

Never to be forgotten, let me mention the name 
of the Reverend Jonas Coe. As a happy presage 
of the future, there was a strong feeling manifest, 
that religious instruction, on the principles of the 
gospel, was essential, as well to promote the best 
interests of the present life, as of that which is to 
come. Mr. Coe, then a young man, was invited 
to preach ; this was in 1791 ; his preaching was at 
first confined to a large room in the house of Ste- 



31 

phen Ashley; soon thereafter a church was erected 
on First street ; it remained a number of year« ; on 
being taken down, the elegant new church, in 
which the Reverend Doctor Beman now officiates, 
was erected. 

Doctor Coe was not a man of splendid talents, 
but possessing sound practical good sense and ar- 
dent piety was greatly esteemed, and deservedly 
so ; like the great apostle, he was instant in sea- 
son and out of season, ever ready to visit and com- 
fort the mourner, to attend the bed of sickness, 
and administer instruction and consolation accom- 
panied by his prayers; he was always very im- 
pressive in presenting the scenes that will open 
upon us immediately after death. His last sick- 
ness I considered an illustration of Mrs. Bar- 
bould's beautiful lines, "How blest the righteous 
when he dies." He answered Cowper's descrip- 
tion of an evangelical preacher. During his mi- 
nistry, an extensive revival of religion took place ; 
many had cause to give thanks, that under his 
preaching they had been awakened, and by divine 
assistance been enabled to lay hold of the hope 
set before them. This excellent man, his physical 
frame worn out by labors in the service of his mas- 
ter, terminated his course with bright prospects of 
future glory, in 1822. He was succeeded by the 
Reverend Doctor Beeman, a man of powerful intel- 
lect ; among the most impressive preachers of the 
gospel. Long may he remain on the walls of Zion, 
and cooperate with the luminous mind of Kir- 
wan in vindicating truth and demolishing error. 



32 

About the year 1799, Moses Vail removed from 
the village of Nassau to Troy. He had an inte- 
resting family of sons and daughters ; he had been 
a senator in the legislature of this state for four 
years. After he came to Troy, he was appointed 
sheriff under the federal administration. The po- 
litical complexion of the state, and the United 
States, being changed in 1801, he was obliged to 
give place to a successor of the republican party, 
upon the ground upon which both parties have 
acted, and as a general rule I think unwisely, 
"that to the victors belong the spoils;" establish- 
ing a principle, calculated to sap the foundation of 
all purity in our elections. Against the operation 
of such a rule there ought to be many exceptions ; 
and I well remember that at the time, I thought 
the case of Mr. Vail, formed one. He was a man 
of unquestioned integrity, kind and gentle in his 
manners; and had, like Duncan, "borne his facul- 
ties so meek, and been so clear in his great office." 
Of him now dead, it may be said, " his sons come 
to honor, and he knoweth it not." Yet before his 
departure, he had the happy presage of their dis- 
tinction, now verified in the person of George Vail, 
late president of the Merchants' and Mechanics' 
Bank, a patron of agriculture, and the interests 
connected with it, and the Hon. Henry Vail, late a 
representative of the county in the congress of the 
United States. 

Jacob D. Vanderhuyden, the original proprietor of 
the ground on which the city is built, is entitled 



33 

to notice; he grew up to manhood witliout educa- 
tion, having- at schools made hut little progress. 
Although, as I am informed, not addicted to vice 
beyond such as by a certain religious sect are con- 
sidered venial, his early associations were among 
those of a kindred character. He was allowed to 
be a chief in the dissipations of the community 
where he dwelt ; he was such when he came into 
possession of his estate : shortly after, a surprising 
change took place ; the operation of some mighty 
power on his mind, at once produced a change in 
his habits ; instead of silly trifling, and at times 
profane conversation, with which he had been fa- 
miliar, he became serious, exhibiting the appear- 
ance of a mind not at ease, yet indicating no 
symptoms of moroseness. He was assiduous and 
constant in the study of the Bible, became familiar 
with it, and learned in its contents ; affording evi- 
dence of such acquisitions, on all occasions, when 
in religious assemblies he was called to take a 
part. Mr. Vanderhuyden was one who in his life 
and conversation gave satisfactory evidence of 
Christian character ; he was one of the pillars of 
the Presbyterian Church ; not on sectarian ground, 
he was no bigot, but acting on the principle that 
this was a useful avenue to extend the knowledge 
of salvation, and impress the great truths of the 
gospel on the heart ; always liberal in contribu- 
tions, and in Christian labors abundant. His ex- 
ample at that early day, shed a moral influence in 
5 



34 

the commvinity ; the fruit of which is visible at 
the present day. 

The Hon. John Lovett, for several years resided 
in Lansingburgh, was a lawyer, and regularly at- 
tended the courts holden in Troy ; he was a man 
of genius, and possessed great versatility of talent. 
He wrote poetry ; many fugitive pieces, published 
occasionally, were much admired. Lord Sterling 
died in Albany in 1783, and was buried under the 
old Dutch Church, standing in State street, oppo- 
site the present Exchange. Mr. Lovett wrote an 
eulogium, intended to be pronounced immediately 
preceding the interment; it was much admired, 
and published ; he subsequently wrote in poetry, 
pieces of wit and keen satire. I have never known 
a person who always had at command, such a va- 
riety of anecdote, ready for use, whatever might 
be the subject of conversation. During the sittings 
of the Circuit Courts, from 1795 to 1800, the Judge 
and lawyers dined daily at the excellent inn of 
Stephen Ashley ; Mr. Lovett generally present, 
rendered those parties remarkably pleasant. Like 
Yorick, his sparkling wit and flashes of merriment 
would set the table in a roar ; long remembered, 
and often the subject of remark in other times. 

Although possessed of fine talents, he never 
relished the dry study of the law ; skillful in the 
management of a cause before a jury, he never ex- 
celled in the argument of a question of law, and 
did not obtain that distinction as a counsellor, 
which was in his power, by applying himself more 



3/5 

closely to judicial studies. One of the errors of his 
life was a passion for change of employment, not 
often the road to success. 

In the war of 1812, he accompanied Generals 
Stephen and Solomon Van Rensselaer to Niagara, 
as secretary of the former, and honorably acquitted 
himself in that campaign. He afterwards repre- 
sented the county of Albany in congress with 
much reputation. His death took place in Ohio, 
about the year 1818. 

There was another gentlemen of the law who 
attended the courts held in the county, a lineal 
descendant of Dederick Knickerbocker, author of 
the veracious history of New York, who by other 
writings has so elevated the literary character of 
this country, and so delighted his numerous read- 
ers, it may be hazardous to dissent from his opinion. 
The gentleman referred to is known as "the Prince 
of Schaghticoke," with whom I have oft beguiled 
an hour, in social intercourse, witnessing in his 
character, an overflow of friendly feelings ; ever 
ready to afford amusement, by some striking an- 
ecdote and sprightly conversation, highly appre- 
ciated by his numerous friends. 

In 18 L2 he represented the county of Rensselaer 
in congress ; many amusing occurrences took place 
at Washington ; on his return I well remember the 
narrative was highly entertaining, and character- 
istic of the Prince : it was natural that Mr. Madi- 
son, then President, should inquire of one repre- 
senting not only the county, but the Dutch dy- 



36 

nasty, what was the difference between the Re- 
formed Dutch Church and Presbyterians ? The 
reply could not have been improved, by Dederick 
himself; as veracious as anything contained in 
the history of his ancestor : " The one sang long 
metre, the other sang short metre." 

The Hon. John Bird of Litchfield in Connecti- 
cut, graduated at Yale College in 1786 ; was ad- 
mitted to the bar in that state, came to Troy in 1794, 
and practiced in the courts of this state until his 
death in 1805. His wife was a daughter of Judge 
Porter of Salisbury, and sister of the late General 
Peter B. Porter, a lady of great intelligence. The 
temperament of husband and wife were not calcu- 
lated for conjugal happiness ; the consequence was 
a divorce in Connecticut. My impression is that 
Mr. Bird was not well fitted for the quiet scenes of 
domestic life ; always impatient under restraints, 
and sometimes vehement without sufficient cause. 
His integrity was never questioned ; his genius 
was of a high order, yet generally restless, Avhen 
necessity imposed on him the task of making la- 
borious research or intricate questions of law ; al- 
ways, however, when called to the discussion, re- 
markable for a display of acute reasoning and talent. 
1 have heard him in the Court of Common Pleas, 
when perhaps the subject in litigation did not ex- 
ceed $50, delight the profession by profound rea- 
soning, and occasionally by a burst of eloquence, 
not often equalled at the bar of any court. And here 
I may mention, that either in 1797 or 1798, there 



37 

was a warmly contested election in the city of Al- 
bany for charter officers; on the return of the 
votes, there were several questions to be decided 
by the mayor and aldermen, one of which was, 
whether under the charter, resident aliens were 
entitled to vote. A resolution passed, that these 
questions be argued by counsel, in the supreme 
court room, in the old City Hall. Mr. Bird and 
myself were employed by one of the candidates 
for a seat in the board, to argue the questions on 
his behalf The counsel on the other side, were 
the late Hon. James Emott, of Poughkeepsie, and 
Josiah Ogden Hoffman, then attorney general of 
the state. The questions were argued ; Mr, Bird 
closed the argument ; he was almost in a feverish 
state when he commenced, so intensely were his 
feelings excited : his powerful reasoning and elo- 
quence were much admired ; it was equal in point 
of eloquence to any thing uttered by the late 
Chancellor Livingston in the same hall, some 
twelve years previously, on the trial of an eject- 
ment cause, wherein he was plaintiff, to recover 
lands in Dutchess county, parcel of his patrimoni- 
al estate, unjustly, as he supposed, withheld by 
the defendant. The Hon. John Lovett was present 
at the trial, he is my authority for the following. 
The eloquence of the Chancellor produced a 
powerful effect on the court and jury, and delight- 
ed every hearer ; the venerable Peter Schuyler, 
long since deceased, had been a witness on a for- 
mer trial, giving evidence strongly in favor of the 



38 

Chancellor's claim ; his testimony was read to 
the court and jury ; Mr. Lovett stated, that in 
commenting on this evidence, the Chancellor 
urging its force with great power, and remarkmg on 
the additional weight it would acquire, if the wit- 
ness, whose intelligence and character he des- 
cribed, had been living and present, to testify on 
that trial ; exclaimed, " methinks I see that vene- 
rable man entering yon door." The appeal was 
so powerful, the audience immediately began to 
open a passage for his reception. In another part 
of the Chancellor's argument, Mr. Lovett observed, 
his eloquence in our court had never been sur- 
passed. When he came to comment on the evi- 
dence respecting the possessions of the litigants, to 
establish a possessory right, Mr. Lovett recollected 
the beautiful conclusion; "that his possessory 
right was not like the defendant's, marked by sap- 
lings of a few years' growth, but by venerable 
oaks, whose roots grasp the centre of the earth, 
and whose topmost boughs stand waving to the 
heavens." 

Mr. Bird seldom wrote on political questions ; I 
have, however, in my possession, an article written 
by him in 1796, over the signature of Nestor, which 
would be creditable to Edmund Burke. He was 
a great admirer of Hume, especially his essays. 
Although I never conversed with him on religious 
subjects, my belief is, that he early inclined to 
scepticism; perhaps not to the avowal of infidelity, 
yet so far as to unsettle his mind on the most im- 



39 

portant of all questions, our destiny after death. 
I have never been satisfactorily informed, whether 
his doubts were removed, or the state of his mind 
changed previous to his dissolution. 

As to the customs of the first inhabitants, their 
habits and modes of enjoying themselves, and how 
they differ from the present times, I have nothing 
in particular to remark. Every thing then was 
conducted on a scale of economy and comfort ; 
luxury and ostentation were then in the cradle ; 
the former had not yet, " poured out her glittering 
stores." The transition from the habits and cus- 
toms of those days, to the present times, compares 
with what generally takes place, when moderate 
means and straightened circumstances, are suc- 
ceeded by the acquisition of great wealth, attended 
by general prosperity. 

With the preceding outlines I close my remarks. 
Troy needs no eulogist ; " there she is, behold her, 
and judge for yourselves." 

Respectfully your obedient servant, 

JOHN WOODWORTH. 









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